This week marks 20 years since the devastating Cedar Fire. It burned through more than 273,000 acres, killing 15 people and destroying more than 2,800 buildings. Since then, a lot has changed in firefighting efforts. One big upgrade to our firefighting array is greatly improved air support in both the private and public sectors. Take SDG&E, for example. Before the Cedar fire, and even in the years after, SDG&E did not have any helicopters dedicated to fighting fires. Now, they have five, two of which are committed year-round. "We are ready to go 365 days a year,” said Thom Porter, Director of Emergency Management for SDG&E. Prior to serving in his current role, Porter spent his career serving in local and state fire agencies. He says combatting wildfires is a collaborative effort, one SDG&E now plays a major role in. "With the fires that have been caused by utilities here in San Diego, as well as across the state, we have really upped our investment in hardening of our entire system,” said Porter. SDG&E wasn't at fault for the Cedar Fire. But, the utility company was found liable for the Witch Creek fire in 2007 after powerful Santa Ana winds blew down one of their power lines. More than 240,000 acres burned and nearly 1,300 homes were destroyed. In the years that followed, SDG&E started investing more money in mitigating wildfires. MORE: https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/wildfire/cedar-fire-how-air-support-has-improved/509-03ed7f46-d6f1-4354-8b8e-c518b01146c0